What Are Database Servers Used for?

• Central Management of Data

Individuals and organizations everywhere need the ability to store and manage data. From email clientsto storing critical application data, database servers offer a central location for managing and maintaining data. While small organizations can use a file server or NAS for storage needs, database servers are the natural step to scaling network workloads.

• Preserving Data Integrity

With the importance of data, both proprietary or consumer-provided, security must be a consideration. Servers naturally segment data from endpoints. However, database servers, specifically, can ensure access controls meet organizational risk management requirements. Features like user-defined validation and integrity constraints further protect data.

• Equipped for Multiple Users

A database server could be working for a small office staff or a global network of individual users. In either case, access for multiple users to the underlying databases including permissions to update, delete, or retrieve data are keystone features. Different database users include:

1. Application Programmers. Developers for crafting and maintaining DBMS

2. Database Administrators. Manage entire DBMS and support personnel

3. End Users. Individuals engaging with the DBMS

• Ease of Data Sharing.

Databases are the foundation for most websites and web applications, as well as their ability to create, present, and preserve data for communication purposes. With an authorization protocol, database servers are remote-accessible and built to service modern workloads and complex queries. A multitude of users can access databases, collaborate, and update records simultaneously.

What Is a Database Management System (DMBS)?

A database management system (DBMS) is software for storing, retrieving, and managing data. First developed in the 1960s, DBMS technology has been essential to the data-driven economy. Today’s most deployed database server type is RDBMS, but object-oriented DBMS is a popular choice for developers.

Technical Features of DBMS

• Database languages for defining entities, relationships, constraints, and privileges

• Transactional processing to manage simultaneous use and data loss prevention

• Database tuning to monitor and improve database performance

• Nonprocedural access for non-technical users requiring access 

• Procedural language interface for programming language configuration

• Application development for configuring user input policies

Types of DBMS

• Hierarchical. A tree-like system where all data is represented by parent-child relationships.

• Network. Like hierarchical, but this system can have multiple parents, creating numerous data paths.

• Relational (RDBMS). The most implemented system to normalize data and organize it logically in independent tables.

• Object-Oriented. Envisioned for object-oriented coding languages to work with complex data objects.

DBMS Software and Tools

1. Amazon RDS

2. IBM Db2

3. Microsoft SOL Server

4. MySQL

5. Oracle RDMS

6. PostgreSQL

7. SAP HANA

References

1. What Is a Database Server & What Is It Used For? (December 2021). Retrieved from https://www.serverwatch.com/guides/database-server/.
2. What Is a Database Server & What Is It Used For? (December 2021). Retrieved from https://phoenixnap.com/kb/what-is-a-database-server.

3. What is a Database Server. (December 2021). Retrieved from https://ecomputernotes.com/fundamental/what-is-a-database/what-is-a-database-server.